How to write job descriptions for café roles

To attract the right people to your café, you need to write job descriptions that are clear, honest, and specific. A great job description acts as a filter, encouraging suitable candidates to apply while helping unsuitable ones to rule themselves out. It sets expectations from day one and is your first chance to show potential staff what your business is all about.

The key parts of a job description

Think of your job description as a recipe. It needs the right ingredients to be successful. Make sure you include these sections for each role, whether it's a Head Barista, Kitchen Assistant, or Front of House Team Member.

1. Job Title: Be clear and specific. Use standard titles like ‘Barista’ or ‘Café Manager’ so people can easily find your advert online.

2. A Brief Summary: Write a short, engaging paragraph that explains the role's main purpose. For example, "As a Barista, you will be the heart of our customer experience, crafting exceptional coffee and creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone who walks through our door."

3. Key Responsibilities: Use a bulleted list to outline the main day-to-day tasks. Be specific and action-oriented.

• Making and serving a variety of coffee and other drinks
• Operating the till and handling payments
• Keeping the counter and customer areas clean and tidy
• Restocking display fridges and shelves
• Following all food safety and hygiene procedures

Required Skills & Experience: List the essential qualifications and experience. These are the ‘must-haves’.

• Minimum 1 year of experience as a barista in a busy café
• Proficiency with a traditional espresso machine and grinder
• Excellent milk steaming and basic latte art skills
• Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene certificate (or willingness to obtain one)

Personal Attributes: Describe the soft skills and personality traits that will help someone succeed in your team.

• A genuine passion for coffee and customer service
• Friendly, positive, and outgoing personality
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• A reliable and punctual team player

What We Offer: This is your chance to sell the job! Clearly state the pay, hours, and any perks.

• Competitive hourly wage plus a share of tips
• Full-time hours (e.g., 40 hours per week, including one weekend day)
• Free coffee and a staff discount on food
• Opportunities for training and development

Top Tips for Writing Your Descriptions

• Be Honest: Don’t oversell the role. If the job involves a lot of cleaning, say so. Honesty builds trust and ensures you hire someone who is happy with the reality of the job.

• Keep it Simple: Avoid internal jargon or overly corporate language. Write in a clear, friendly tone that reflects your café's brand.

• State How to Apply: End with a clear call to action, telling candidates exactly how to apply (e.g., "To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover letter to...").